In modern ISP and FTTH networks, high bandwidth and link redundancy are critical. Using a single uplink between a MikroTik router and an ECOM OLT often becomes a bottleneck. This is where LACP (Link Aggregation Control Protocol) plays a vital role.
In this complete step-by-step guide, you will learn how to properly configure LACP bonding between a MikroTik Router and an ECOM OLT. Every step is explained in simple language so that even beginners can understand and apply it confidently.
What is LACP and Why It Is Important?
LACP (IEEE 802.3ad) is a protocol that allows multiple physical Ethernet links to be combined into a single logical link. Instead of using one cable, you can use two or more cables simultaneously to increase bandwidth and provide redundancy.
For ISP and FTTH environments, LACP ensures:
- Higher uplink bandwidth
- Automatic failover if one link goes down
- Load balancing across multiple ports
- Improved network stability
When configured correctly between MikroTik Router and ECOM OLT, LACP significantly improves performance and reliability.
Network Topology Overview
Before starting the configuration, it is important to understand the basic topology. In this setup:
- MikroTik Router acts as Core / Edge Router
- ECOM OLT acts as Access Layer for FTTH
- Multiple Ethernet or SFP links connect MikroTik and OLT
- These links are aggregated using LACP
Both devices must support IEEE 802.3ad (LACP) and be configured correctly on both sides.
Prerequisites Before Configuration
Before configuring LACP, make sure the following requirements are met. Skipping these checks may result in unstable links or traffic loss.
- MikroTik RouterOS supports bonding (v6 or v7)
- ECOM OLT supports LACP / Link Aggregation
- All cables are of same speed (1G or 10G)
- Same MTU configured on both sides
Step 1: Identify Ports on MikroTik Router
First, identify which physical interfaces on MikroTik will be used for LACP.These could be Ethernet ports or SFP/SFP+ ports depending on your hardware.
You can list interfaces using:
/interface ethernet print
For this example, we will use:
- sfp-sfpplus3
- sfp-sfpplus4
Step 2: Create LACP Bonding Interface on MikroTik
Now we will create a bonding interface using LACP (802.3ad).This bonding interface will logically combine multiple physical ports.
/interface bonding add name=Bonding-OLT mode=802.3ad slaves=sfp-sfpplus3,sfp-sfpplus4 transmit-hash-policy=layer-2-and-3 disabled=no
This configuration ensures traffic is load-balanced efficiently based on MAC and IP addresses.
Step 3: VLANs Creation on Mikrotik Router
Now we will create multiple VLANs on top of the bonding interface. Since my OLT has 4 physical ports, we will create a total of 5 VLANs:
- 1 VLAN will be used for OLT management
- The remaining 4 VLANs will be used to access and operate the PON ports.
This setup allows us to properly manage the OLT and distribute traffic through each PON port efficiently. We are creating VLANs ranging from 500 to 504. VLAN 500 is reserved for OLT management. We will assign a management IP on VLAN 500 to access and manage the OLT.The remaining VLANs will be used for the OLT PON ports.So, let’s get started.
/interface/bonding add interface=Bonding-OLT name=ECOM-EPON-1 vlan-id=501 add interface=Bonding-OLT name=ECOM-EPON-2 vlan-id=502 add interface=Bonding-OLT name=ECOM-EPON-3 vlan-id=503 add interface=Bonding-OLT name=ECOM-EPON-4 vlan-id=504 add interface=Bonding-OLT name=ECOM-MGMT vlan-id=500
Step 4: Configure LACP on ECOM OLT
Now move to the ECOM OLT side. ECOM OLT CLI may vary by model, but the core concept remains the same.
You need to create a Link Aggregation Group (LAG) and add member ports.
OLT(config)# link-aggregation group 8 workmode lacp-static OLT(config-link-aggregation-8)# member add xge 0/0 1 OLT(config-link-aggregation-8)# member add xge 0/0 2 OLT(config-link-aggregation-8)# vlan mode trunk OLT(config-link-aggregation-8)# vlan trunk vlan 500-504 OLT(config-link-aggregation-8)# exit OLT(config)#
This configuration tells the OLT to bundle multiple physical ports into one logical LACP group.
Step 5: Assign IP Address to MGMT Interface
After bonding and VLAN setup, assign IP address to the MGMT interface or VLAN interface. This IP will be used for routing and communication.
Router end/ip address> add address=10.2.10.1/30 interface=ECOM-MGMT disabled=no
OLT end
OLT(config)# interface vlanif OLT(config-vlanif-500)# ip address 10.2.10.2 30 OLT(config-vlanif-500)# exit OLT(config)# ip route 0.0.0.0/0 172.31.100.49 OLT(config)# save
Never assign IP on individual slave interfaces. Always keep configuration clean and centralized.
Step 6: PON Port Configure
Now we need to configure the PON port. We have created 4 VLANs for 4 PON ports. so let's start,
PON-1 OLT(config)# interface epon 0/1 OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan mode 1 access OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan access 1 501
PON-2 OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan mode 2 access OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan access 2 502
PON-3 OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan mode 3 access OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan access 3 503 PON-4 OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan mode 4 access OLT(config-epon-0/1)# vlan access 4 504 exit
Common Problems and Solutions
Below are some common issues faced during LACP configuration and their solutions:
- LACP not forming: Check speed, duplex, and MTU
- Only one link active: Verify LACP mode on both sides
- Packet loss: Ensure hash policy matches traffic pattern
- VLAN not passing: Re-check trunk configuration
Best Practices for ISP Networks
To get maximum performance and stability, always follow best practices:
- Use identical ports and cables
- Monitor LACP regularly
- Document port mappings
- Avoid manual shutdown of slave ports
Final Conclusion
Configuring LACP between MikroTik Router and ECOM OLT is a powerful way to increase bandwidth, redundancy, and network reliability.
When done correctly, it provides carrier-grade performance for ISP and FTTH networks.
This step-by-step guide is designed to help you implement LACP confidently
with real-world ISP best practices.
Follow each step carefully and your network will remain stable and scalable.
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